International bodies and diplomats welcome Qatar’s labour reforms
- 4 years ago
Qatar lauded for being first in the region to adopt non-discriminatory minimum wage with hopes that other countries in the neighbourhood follow suit.
International bodies like the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and number of diplomats in Qatar have welcomed the labour reforms announced yesterday and congratulated the Qatari authorities for the same.
Statements were issued and other social media handles were used to welcome Law No 17 of 2020 issued by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani regarding setting the minimum wage for labourers and domestic workers, and Decree Law No 19 of 2020 amending provisions of Law No 21 of 2015 regarding the regulation of the entry, exit and residency of expatriates.
ILO mentioned on its website, “The ILO has worked closely with Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour & Social Affairs and with employers’ and workers’ organizations to support the adoption and enhancement of laws, policies and procedures relating to labour market mobility and the new minimum wage in Qatar. Further support will be provided for the implementation and enforcement of the new laws.”
Guy Ryder, the ILO Director-General said, “By introducing these significant changes, Qatar has delivered on a commitment. One that will give workers more freedom and protection, and employers more choice. We are witnessing what can be achieved when governments, workers and employers work together with the ILO to promote decent work for all.”
Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) remarked, “This is very good news for migrant workers in Qatar. The leadership shown by Qatar in dismantling the kafala system and introducing a minimum wage is long-awaited news for all workers. The ITUC stands ready to support the Government of Qatar in the implementation of this historic move, to ensure all workers are aware of the new rules and benefit from them. Other countries in the region should follow Qatar’s example.”
Roberto Suárez Santos Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) said, “These reforms will make a major contribution to the efficiency and productivity of the Qatar labour market. IOE stands ready to support the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Government in supporting employers during this transition. Our congratulations to Qatar and its Chamber of Commerce!”
NHRC secretary-general Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah said in a statement yesterday that these steps mark a milestone in the history of employment in the region, making Qatar the first to adopt a non-discriminatory minimum wage in the region.
Al-Attiyah noted that these positive decisions by the leadership of the State - "Affirm the pioneering approach towards achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 and the sincere will to preserve and protect human dignity in Qatar. These decisions represent a real indication that Qatar is moving steadily towards preserving workers' rights and taking care of them in line with its international, regional and national commitments, and come in the context of improving the living conditions of workers in Qatar.”
The NHRC secretary-general said the reforms carried out by the State indicate the respect and promotion of the basic principles of human rights, explaining that the hierarchy of reforms undertaken by the country have had a significant impact on reducing violations of workers' rights.
Al-Attiyah praised the State institutions' response to the recommendations of the NHRC, which contributed greatly to the advancement of human rights in general and to labourers' rights in particular. She noted that the committee has been closely following the reforms that the State is making in the labour law, which can be described from the last two decisions as compliant with the State's obligations towards the international law.
She added that the NHRC "appreciates the State's efforts, encourages these reform steps and renews the call to the Government of Qatar to move forward with its legislative developments in the path of ensuring the rights of the partners in the renaissance in the State of Qatar".
Al-Attiyah underlined that the NHRC encourages the State to continue with these reforms and affirms its full and complete readiness to co-operate with all authorities concerned within the State, especially the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, in order to make these important positive steps a success and realise these decisions optimally.
Australian ambassador Jonathan Muir, in a Twitter post congratulated the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) and Qatar for the "region-leading labour reforms.These are important changes that should be recognised internationally," he tweeted.
Greta C Holtz, charge d'affaires at the US embassy in Doha, noted the "two historic announcements" regarding labour reforms in Qatar. "The US embassy in Doha applauds Qatar for delivering on its commitment to improve conditions for workers and employers alike," she said on Twitter.
Canadian ambassador Stefanie McCollum congratulated Qatar on removing the NOC requirement for workers. "Fantastic announcement from Qatar with a non-discriminatory minimum wage," she tweeted, stressing that the announcements marked another big step in worker protections by Qatar, the International Labour Organisation (Qatar) and MADLSA.
Several other messages by various diplomats and other dignitaries stationed in Qatar and aboard are still pouring in even as QATARDAY posts this article.
Source: QNA
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